How to Remove BMW Side Mirrors?
3 Answers
To remove the side mirrors of a BMW, first you need to take off the inner door panel. After removing the trim, unscrew the three bolts securing the mirror inside the door, then disconnect the mirror's wiring harness plug. This will allow you to remove the mirror from the door. Below is relevant information about car mirrors: 1. Car mirrors are located on both sides of the vehicle's front end and inside the cabin at the front. They reflect conditions behind, beside, and below the vehicle, enabling drivers to indirectly observe these areas. Serving as "second eyes," they significantly expand the driver's field of vision. As crucial safety components, their mirror surface, shape, and operation require careful consideration. 2. Mirror quality and installation are governed by industry standards. To facilitate driver operation and prevent traffic accidents while ensuring personal safety, all countries mandate that vehicles must be equipped with adjustable mirrors. By installation position, they can be categorized as interior rearview mirrors, exterior side mirrors, and under-mirrors. The interior rearview mirror allows drivers to check rear conditions without significantly altering their forward view.
I recently disassembled the rearview mirror of my old BMW, and it was quite an enjoyable experience. The whole process starts from the inside of the door. First, use a small screwdriver to slowly unscrew the fixing screws on the door panel, which are usually hidden near the handle. Carefully pry open the interior panel, being cautious not to break the plastic clips, as BMW materials are quite delicate. Then, you'll see the wiring connector for the rearview mirror—gently press the release button on the connector to disconnect it, but don’t forget to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery first to avoid any short-circuit risks. As for tools, a basic screwdriver set is sufficient, and magnetic ones are even better to prevent screws from rolling away. Some rearview mirrors come with a folding function, so remember to fold it manually before removal to avoid jamming. The entire process takes about 20 minutes. When reassembling, just make sure everything fits back in place and the wiring isn’t twisted—even beginners can handle it, but patience is key to avoid rushing.
As someone who frequently helps friends with car repairs, I always remind everyone to be extra cautious when removing BMW side mirrors. They are connected to turn signal or camera wiring, and rough handling may trigger electronic faults or even damage expensive sensors. In terms of steps, first locate the small cover panel near the door, gently pry it open with a trim tool to expose the screws, then loosen them to remove the mirror unit. The wiring connector usually has a small clip—press it to separate, but note that newer BMW models like the 3 Series might differ, so consulting the owner's manual is recommended. For safety, wear anti-static gloves throughout the process and avoid sudden forceful pulling. If you lack confidence, it's better to spend some money and have a professional shop handle it, as it involves driving safety—one wrong move could lead to serious trouble.
